What is a Magnet School?
Magnet grants are highly competitive grants funded through the United States Department of Education designed to create new and innovative thematic whole school programs and offer equitable school choice to families.
Magnet Schools are schools of choice. Magnet Schools offer specialized curriculum aligned to the school’s theme with student activities designed to promote academic excellence. Magnet Schools integrate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) into all academic subjects and school activities.
Magnet Schools are New York City public schools that receive additional funding from the federal government to implement a theme, design innovative curriculum and increase family participation. Funding enriches academic activities by supporting school trips, additional supplies, partnerships and arts-in-residency programs. Magnet Schools offer challenging interdisciplinary academic experiences designed to engage, inspire and motivate students to achieve. Magnet Schools accept students from beyond attendance zone through the magnet application process. Non-zoned students can apply to a magnet school during the application period.
Computer Science
Ms. Malchow - Grades K-3
During K-3 CS students engage in computational thinking activities during centers which increases both their cognitive and social-emotional skills. K-3 Computer Science class also promotes developmentally appropriate experiences such as problem solving, imagination, cognitive challenges, social interactions and making different choices.
Ms. Shah - Grades 3-5
We integrate computer science as a creative, collaborative and engaging discipline to our students. In grades 3-5 students learn about digital citizenship and the Internet. Students also learn how to problem solve utilizing algorithmic thinking and programming. In our upper grades, our students code using multiple platforms such as Code.org, Bitsbox, Blockly and so much more. They also have the opportunity to integrate their computer science skills using unplugged CS games and robots.
Maker @ PS 62
Ms. Evelyn - Grades K-5
At P.S. 62, we strongly believe in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovation among our students. To further encourage these qualities, we will be designing projects focused on resourcefulness, innovation and conservation.
Maker/STEM meets once a week for kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th graders. In Maker the main goal is to provide a learning environment where students become problem solvers and innovators. Through the engineering design process, children learn how to use tools and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Project-based learning. By exploring themes like conservation, innovation and thinking outside the box, students are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and build creative solutions. Students participate in various project - based learning activities as well as design challenges. Whether it's constructing models or brainstorming ways to reduce waste in our community, every project offers a chance for young minds to develop critical thinking skills and unleash their creativity.
Every year in May the whole P.S. 62 community celebrates the students' hard work by showcasing projects in the annual Maker Faire. Parents are encouraged on this day to see the culmination of their hard work and dedication to innovation and design. Maker Faire 2023 video
Multimedia Lab
Ms. Maletta - Grades 3-5
MultiMedia at PS 62
Our students are eager to express themselves through multiple modalities. In Multimedia Class, students in grades 4-5 engage in opportunities to display their creativity through text, images, audio, animation, video and sound. Students create and innovate as they utilize more than one multimedia element to convey a message to a wider audience. Our Multimedia Makers design GIFs, emojis, animations, videos, music and much more. We have received a grant to transform our Library into a MultiMedia space. We look forward to its Grand Opening soon. Once complete, students will use green screen techniques to create videos.
STEM at PS 62
Science is magic! Science is wonder! Science is exploration! Our students build upon their prior knowledge as they hypothesize, observe, manipulate, collect & analyze data, make connections and draw conclusions about Science content, concepts and the world around them. They are true mini-scientists!
At PS 62, we are pioneers of STEM; our students are not only scientists, but also engineers! STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Throughout the year, students are given challenges that incorporate all four disciplines. In cooperative learning groups, they use the Engineering Design Process to solve challenges.
Grade 3:
Students in Grade 3 receive STEM Instruction twice a week. The STEM Cluster pushes into classrooms. Students learn about forces, inheritance and traits, life cycles, and more. Teachers draw upon Amplify and Mystery Science curriculums to meet the needs of our diverse students while addressing the NYS P-12 Learning Standards.
Grades 4-5:
Classroom teachers use Amplify to teach Science units that address the NYS P-12 Learning Standards and help to prepare students for the NYS Science exam in Grade 5. The MultiMedia/STEM Cluster pushes into classrooms twice a week. She supplements their program with one Science Unit. This addition helps to cover any gaps in the Amplify curriculum.
Robotics
Mr. Nieves - 4th Grade
Students are part of an after school club focused on Robotics. Students from a local High School have partnered with us to support this club. This year students have been learning the foundations of robotics and learning to build and code a functional robot that can complete tasks. Students use LEGO Education Spike Kits and VEX IQ. Next year students will be entering robotics competitions.
Robotics
Ms. Luther, Ms. Garcia, Mr. Ellman - 5th Grade ICT and 4/5 Self Contained
Twice a week during the Science block, students use a Birdbrain Hummingbird Kit to code on Microsoft Microbit. Students are able to design their own device that moves, can sense sounds & distance, and uses LED lights. Students access their prior knowledge of math & science, and integrate what they know about algorithms to code.
STEAM
Ms. Musalin
In this after school club, students explore different scientific topics through maker challenges, projects and schoolyard games. Students work on critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills while learning about environmental, physical and chemical phenomena.
Photography and Film
Mr. Ellman
Students are learning foundational concepts of still photography & motion picture production by creating their own portfolios.
Hydroponics
Mr. Nieves
In this club students learn to grow crops using a hydroponic system. Students have successfully grown lettuce, basil, peppers, cilantro, parsley and more. Students also participate in the Trout in a Classroom program. Brown trout are hatched and cared for through the year and released during a culminating trip.
